ABSTRACT: Macroremains from the Fletcher Site (DjOw-1), southern Alberta, and implications for early postglacial landscapes on the Canadian Plains.

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Abstract

Fine fraction analysis of matrix samples from Cody-complex levels of the Fletcher site (DjOw-1) has yielded abundant macrofossil remains including seeds, plant fragments, mollusc shells, bird's egg-shell, insects, ostracodes, and faunal remains,dated around 9,300 yr. BP. Identified seeds include those from acquatic and wetland taxa that suggest the presence of permanent, if somewhat brackish, water. At present, the area has few sources of permanent water on upland surfaces, especially in mid-summer. Above the Cody-complex levels there is a transition to clastic (windblown?) sediment that is essentially sterile. This sediment infilled the wetland hollow. The Fletcher site record is one of series of new palaeoenvironmental records that also includes the Jenner and Weber Dugouts in southeastern Alberta. Together, these three records are providing a more complete picture of early postglacial landscapes (ca. 11,000 - 9,000 yr. BP) in southern Alberta and indicate considerable differences from the present landscapes. In particular, they suggest that early postglacial landscapes were well-watered, despite indications of climatic aridity from elsewhere. Water may have been derived from residual ice and permafrost contributions to groundwater. The Fletcher site show that there may have been more (fresher) water sources on the Canadian Plains in the early postglacial than at any time since. Perennial water and productive wetlands may have been attractive for human occupants, especially in summer. This suggests that Paleoindian occupation patterns and land-use on the Canadian Plains may be quite different to those of later occupants.

Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology